OUR MISSION

We’re creating the next generation of givers by getting kids involved today with community service and charitable giving. In our programs, kids meet and help those in need. The personal interaction teaches children their actions matter and they can make a difference. Our mission is to inspire lifelong giving by connecting young volunteers with high-impact giving experiences, and training and educating junior philanthropists.

Our Vision

Create the Next Generation of Givers

We exist to inspire life-long giving, especially in children. We strive to make a significant difference in the lives and communities of others.

2016

Key Milestones to-date: Back to School Pilot, Formed an Advisory Board

671 Giving Families

2,574 Resident Kids

Meet the moms who started the Santa’s Elves program by watching The Story of Santa’s Elves, then read more about us below.

Santa’s Elves began in 2010 when Deborah Sherman, then Chief Investigative Reporter at 9NEWS, was trying to teach her 4-year-old son Jack to be generous and grateful. She wanted to get him involved in volunteering, but no charities would allow young children.

So Deborah and moms Jennifer Ramirez and Stella Castro decided to create a volunteer organization for children, which they called Santa’s Elves – Kids Giving to Kids.

The parents wanted their kids to help other children in Colorado. After some research, they discovered the poorest and most neglected area of the state with the highest youth population was right there in Denver. People there earn, on average, $10,000 a year.

That Christmas day in 2010, Deborah, Jack and a dozen other parents with their kids drove to the housing projects and gave gifts to 75 children. Their parents welcomed the elves with thanks and tears. The kids screamed with delight. And Jack? The smile on his face was as wide as the boy getting the gift.

Every year since, Santa’s Elves has grown. Today, nearly 1,000 families across the state call themselves Elves and give presents to some 2,600 children living below the poverty line.

It’s been a win-win for all of the kids involved. In fact, some families who accepted gifts in the past are today giving presents as Elves in the program.

In 2016, the nonprofit created new events to give children an opportunity to serve year-round. That’s why it changed its name toKidsGiving365. Santa’s Elves remains the flagship event around the holidays.

Today, givers and residents are matched through the KidsGiving365 website. When givers go to the site, they can choose the child or children they want to help and then make an appointment to meet those kids face-to-face and hug-to-hug during the event. The charity works closely with the Denver Housing Authority and the Rude Recreation Center to determine the children most in need.

KidsGiving365 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. In 2016, the Denver Housing Authority honored KidsGiving365 with its Distinguished Service Award.